Coffee is not something I grew up with.Mom used to be very strict about the caffeine intake of her girls.She had this weird opinion according to which too much tea or coffee would affect our complexion,health and hormonal levels in body.When I actually started drinking tea,we were “allowed” one cup a day..maybe a half more if we insisted cried. Mom was hell-bent to make sure that we did not go overboard with caffeine.If she somehow caught us drinking an extra cup,we were nagged for days.Over the years, I have seen Mom’s great convincing power in this respect.She has made few of my aunts give in to the “no-caffeine for kids ” rule.If you talk to this bandwagon of ladies in my family even today, I swear you will never let you kid tea or coffee again in their life.They have all sorts of weird theories around it.
Coffee is the most second popular beverage in India after “chai” or tea.In general, Indians like their beverage sweet and milky.In southern parts of India,filter coffee which is a preparation of fresh ground coffee beans using a metallic hand-held coffee filter is mostly consumed.The east indians swear by their love for soccer and cold coffee.P is also one of them.In northern parts, you will find this frothy, overly sweet, overly milky and really creamy coffee which can be made within minutes at home.Okay, this is slightly confusing.This coffee is called an “espresso ” if you go by the Indian lingo.By all means it defies the meaning of its counterpart in the western world.If I were to define it,I would say indian “espresso” coffee is a hybrid of cappuccino and espresso,it carries the depth of flavor of like an espresso & the creaminess of a cappucino.A fuss free drink which asks only for a “spoon” as a gadget to be prepared and gives you a caffeine high after few minutes of labour with coffee & sugar.No need for those fancy looking coffee makers and espresso machines.The mighty spoon is your rescue here.
It is the simplest thing to prepare so please do not dismiss it like other “indian” cooking techniques.You mix instant coffee powder and granulated sugar moistened with few tablespoons of cold milk and you beat it rigorously untill it turns into a pale, thick paste.The inherent principle is similar to whipping heavy cream – of incorporating air as you beat the mix rigorously.The visual transformation from a dark powder mix to smooth fluffy emulsion is enthralling.The aroma rejuvenates you as you beat more.The more you beat, the frothy your coffee is. This whipped coffee-sugar paste is addictive.I have spent countless nights licking spoonfuls of this paste to stay awake during examinations.Its pure caffeine love.Its liquid heaven with fluffy clouds.
If its one of those days when you had an argument with your boss and you are looking forward to a strong brewed mug of coffee back home,you may not want to make this version.You can put it off for those days when you wanna pamper yourself with a cozy coffee delight.It is rich & soothing.You ll take a sip and you would want to sit back, close your eyes and enjoy the thick,luscious taste loaded with coffee aroma mingled with chiffon like milky goodness. Trust me one cup will make you happy,second one will make you happier and the third one will still leave you asking for more.Its joy in a cup.I love it.
Before any further ado, lets jump on the recipe.Don’t forget to see the notes at the end.I have tried to incorporate a pictorial for various steps involved here.But believe me its as simple as whipping cream.
Ingredients
Coffee Sugar Mix [Makes about 1/4 cup paste]
- 2 tbsp instant coffee powder
- 3 tbsp granulated white sugar
- 1 tbsp cold milk + a little more [if required]
Per cup of coffee you ll need :
- 1 heaped tbsp of the above coffee sugar mix [or adjust to how strong or mild you like your coffee]
- 1/2 cup luke warm whole milk [substitute with half n half or any flavored creamer]
- 1/2 cup cold whole milk [substitute with half n half or any flavored creamer]
- Cocoa powder, ground cinnamon to sprinkle [optional]
Note: You will need a tall mug & a metal spoon to whip up the coffee sugar mix.Please keep away your fine china and pick up a mug which is little heavy.
Method:
- In a dry, tall and heavy mug, tip in the instant coffee powder and sugar together.
- Mix well and add milk just enough to moisten the mix [about 1 tbsp].In case you need more, add slowly.The purpose of milk here is just to give you a base moist paste to start working with.
- The mix will be dark brown at first.With the help of spoon, start beating the mix rigorously.It will start turning pale and pasty.
Keep on beating the mix till it becomes pale brown and the sugar has dissolved.The mix will be thick and will flow like a ribbon. Also you would have done away with some of that flab on your arms 
- You know when the mix is ready and thick enough when even on inverting the cup, it wont drip.
- Once done, the mix with be a viscous paste.It is ready to use now.
- Tip in a generous tablespoon of coffee-sugar mix into a “microwave” safe cup.
- Pour about 1/2 cup of luke warm milk.Microwave on high for 20-25 seconds.
- Take out and stir thoroughly with a spoon to dissolve any lumps etc.This is an important step.You need to get a smooth coffee-milk mix before adding more milk.
- Top up with remaining 1/2 cup of cold milk and stir gently to combine everything. [Note: Mixing milk too rigorously will reduce the froth in the final cup]
- Micro again for about 30-40 seconds or till you see froth rising up.
- Your coffee is ready.Top with ground cinnamon or cocoa powder.
- Serve warm with muffins or cookies.
Notes:
- You can use whole milk diluted with water if you want.
- Normally, sweetened cocoa powder is sprinkled over the coffee before serving.I have noted it in the recipe even though I dont like to add it to mine..
- The paste lasts in fridge for about 2-3 days.You will have to beat again before using it.Ofcourse, the results will vary as compared to the fresh mix.
- The microwave times I have noted are the ones on my appliance.You will have to adjust and keep a watch as your coffee is inside to avoid spill overs.
Enjoy your cuppa coffee ! Thanks for stopping by.
Sounds like something I would really enjoy! I always heat up a glass of milk and add instand coffee when I want a creamy coffee drink. Your version sounds a lot better with the lucious froth! I gotta try it soon. Thanks for sharing.
Coffee is my fav drink and I too make it this way….lovely pictures.
My friend makes some great coffee this way! I generally just pack the coffee, sugar and milk in bottle give it vigorous shake to get it all frothy. I do like coffee – Infact I start my day with masala chai – afternoon I have French coffee, evening I sometime have Turkish coffee or Indian coffee. SO yes – I love it! (wonder what your mom had to say abt that much caffeine!)
Cant take my eyes from ur clicks, irresistible coffee..
this looks so lovely and comforting. an excellent alternative to the typical mocha.
That is so cool that you can invert teh cup and it wouldn’t spill over. Too cool. I’m not a fan of plain coffee but I don’t mind some with chocolate. So more of a mocha girl!
Ahaa – Superb coffee – never seen it made that way – And I posted a Mango Peda recipe which also gives the upper arm flab a good workout – so had to laugh at that one
Want the coffee and the masala cookie I see on the side!!!
Tanvi,
I grown up with filter coffee as it more common in South Indian households. Now i am lazzy to make that making instant coffee. My morning is always starts with cup of coffee. love to drink black coffee too. Your coffee looks fabulous.
wow!!! i love coffee~~
didn’t realize there were so many ways to drink it!
I never liked instant coffee- but ur shots makes me think again!
I shouldn’t have checked this now… it’s lunch time for me… you making me feel like skipping lunch and grab a coffee.
LOVE IT!
Looks very tempting,i am not a coffee drinker but once in a while like to drink,just love the flavour hm,mm,i know this method, learnt from one of my friend long time ago,was forgotten to do so,thanks for remembering!!!
Wow such an interesting method! I’d love to try this!
My parents would never, ever let us have caffeine of any sort when we were kids. That’s why I never had a coffee or tea habit! Only in the last 2-3 years have I started to enjoy a cup of decaf here and there, mainly because it stops me from having dessert after dinner.
Great recipe – espresso holds a special place in my heart!
I am fascinated by that coffee paste and the resulting beautiful cup of coffee. I truly can’t wait to try this.
OMG, My cousins make cofffee this way and they are in Pakistan. It is absolutely delish!!! I cannot wait to try your recipe:)
I love this and must try…your instructions are perfect! I am a big coffee lover and love to try out different processes, thank you
Hi Tanvi! Where do I start… First of all, I really enjoyed looking at all the pictures here. Amazing! I really envy you that not only you are a great cook but you also take beautiful pictures. Since I moved to my current home, I became a good friend of my Indian neighbor. She’s an excellent cook and she’s been exposing to me with new spices and Indian cuisine. And she drinks coffee just like you! She taught me how to make chai and I drink 2 cups every single day! I have to make your coffee according to your instructions now. Nice to meet you!
Wow Tanvi, I’ve not tried this version of coffee, but your fantastic pictures make me drool for some, I can see your Momma did no long term damage to your enjoyment of this fine brew huh
Yum! I love coffee and I get head aches when I don’t have it, you can say I’m addicted
Great recipe!! Thank you for sharing.. it looks delicious!
Nick made this for me 16 years ago when we first met at college. I was instantly smitten because I am a coffee fanatic and he devoutly whisked with that spoon for a steady 10 minutes. I love this coffee. Even though it is not this version, he still makes coffee for me every single day, twice a day
Thanks for sharing, brought back some memories!
my mom makes the best coffee in the world (if i may say so)…and its something like this..i mean the procedure..but we like our coffee super strong and loads of sugar
Love the porcelain cup and saucer
I think my mom was the EXACT opposite. She is a caffeine addict and was ready to push her addiction on us as soon as possible. Hence why I started drinking coffee while I was in high school.
I love how thick and creamy this looks!
oh…that brings back memories. I used to have the same thing at my best friends house and got addicted to it. i forgot about this until now…thank you so so much for posting this. i love the step by step photos.
OMG Tanvi..this brings memories! I learnt this method of beating the coffee-sugar mix from a colleague and always made coffee this way while I was working….let’s just say this was one of the ways to stay away from the desk and chat in the pantry, at the excuse of making delicious coffee!! But after I resigned, I never got the time to spend so much time on beating and mixing. Until today. After I saw your post, I made coffee this way again! Loved it, obviously!
Loved your pics and porcelain too!
Memories. This is how I made coffee for us every afternoon when I lived with my parents.
Thanks Marlis..I m sure u ll whip it up again to relive them
Thank you everyone for stopping by.I hope you enjoy the cuppa.Cheers!
The Bolivian side of my family does this exact thing! They would tell me that back home they would sit at home chatting with friends while they were whipping up their coffee. Great post
I can’t wait to try this. It sounds interesting and that cup of coffee is irresistible. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
Okay here’s a funny story for you Tanvi. I don’t drink coffee but one day I decide to try out this new espresso. After I tried it out, I was hyper as HELL and didn’t sleep for a day and a half. Needless to say when I crashed, I never touched the stuff again lol. I don’t know why I touched it in the first place. I enjoyed reading this post but due to my story, I may have to stay away LOL.
Very interesting way to have a cuppa! Thanks for sharing the Indian way of making a good cup of espresso coffee.
Reminds me of my younger days when me and brother used to compete and beat our coffee vigorously to get more froth
I usually don’t like coffee, I typically stick with chai, but I actually liked it this way. Thanks for sharing.
Looks delicious! I am not much of a coffee drinker…but after reading this you might have changed my mind!
Thanks everyone for stopping by.I m a happy girl after reading all those comments
I don’t drink coffee but my husband does and I am sure he would love this version. In fact I am keeping it to make it for him, I am sure he will be very pleased!
Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I have given you an Award for your blog. View my blog to see it.. Have a great day
You know i just can’t handle coffee much, apart from little amount in baking! but ur pic are so fab that i want to dig in to the fresh brewed coffee may be it will help to wake me up
omg i want to try this!
Hi Tanvi….so many delectable recipes posted recently….loved all of them.
This coffee is special as i like my cuppa this way , gorgeous pictures.
How to prepare similar coffee without Sugar, that is using low calorie sweetner. Does it come out in the same way?
Hi Vikash,
If you see the recipe,the mix is an emulsion of coffee powder and sugar.You can try by using coarsely powdered sweetner.Super fine or tablets wont work.
I have never tried it that way so dont know about the results.Please let me know if you do.
Thanks.
very funny actually, we used to make instant coffee the same way in Romania. Ok, obviously minus the microwave and the frothy milk but we used to mix it the same way you do, but recently, I noticed they don’t make instant coffee like this anymore, I mean the coffee needs only a tiny bit of liquid and it all melts in seconds
grrrr….
That is the drawback of things that continuously develop: yes its easier to mix and yes there definitely won’t be any lumps but I can’t mix it like this anymore
Ah! My mom was not that way growing up at all. When I was growing up, there was no packaged pasteurized milk. We bought our milk from the “milk uncle” who got it from the cows and brought it to our door directly. My mom would boil to pasteurize it and gave me a glass every morning. I couldn’t drink it. Every time that cream part came to my mouth, I felt like throwing up. To make me drink my milk, my mom would put a little bit of ground Turkish coffee in it. I would drink it then! So I was introduced to coffee pretty early on!
This espresso looks heavenly!
We also use instant coffee here in Turkey, but it’s not made this way. We just mix the instant coffee with milk/water and sugar. Ever since the 3 in 1′s came out though (packets of instant coffee + sugar +creamer premixed), I don’t even do that. I just mix the powder with hot water (so lazy!). It also comes in hazelnut flavor which I love.
This sounds like a much more authentic way of making it though. I think it will taste much better. I will get some plain instant coffee and try it. It would be really tasty with some hazelnut coffee syrup and maybe with ice cubes…yum!
I have made masala coffee before though. It was my thing last year, used to make it for myself and my mom every day. But I made it with fresh ground Turkish coffee and spices. It was amazing!
I wonder if I could do this exact recipe for Indian espresso with Turkish coffee? I’m going to try tomorrow and see! Thanks for the recipe and I love the photography!
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This is the best way to make a yummy frothy cup of coffee
Would you mind if I correct you that Espresso is only coffee without milk, and anything that contains milk maybe called Latte, or Cappuccino?
Oops sorry for my comment above… lol I got too excited on seeing the recipe and skipped a line or two where you explained the title
I have been making Coffee same way since ages , only difference is I never use milk instead I make it with boiled water.